Processing apparatus for radiation detection devices



Sept. 14, 1954 M. N. FAxRBANK PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR RADIATION DETECTION DEVICES 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed April 5 1951 FIG. 3

INVENTOR Sept. 14, 1954 M. N. FAIRBANK PROC-ESSING APPARATUS FOR RADIATION DETECTION DEVICES Filed April 5, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 4

sNvENToR M M BY ATTORNEYS FIG.

Patented Sept. 14, 1954 PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR RADIATION DETECTION DEVICES- Murry N. Fair-bank, Belmont, Mass., assignor to Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass., a corporation of Delaware Application April 5, 1951, Serial No. 219,497

(Cl. Z50-68) 4 Claims. 1

This invention relates to apparatus for processing radiation-sensitive products in the nature of dosimeters of the character which utilize photosensitive materials for detecting, indicating, recording and measuring such radiation.

One embodiment of a dosimeter which is particularly adapted for processing by the devices set forth herein makes use of a releasably sealed envelope which carries within its interior photographic materials, including a photosensitive element and a rupturable container holding a photographic processing composition. The wall members of the envelope are substantially impervious to actinic light, liquid and vapor but are formed of materials which will transmit the nuclear radiation to be detected. Processing of a dosimeter of this character is effected by the application of pressure to opposite sides of the envelope in a manner to effect the rupture of the container therein and the appropriate spreading of its discharged liquid within the envelope.

Objects of the invention are to provide an apparatus or device for carrying on the person and adapted for'prccessing, shielding and storing a dcsimeter of the character set forth wherein said device comprises a pair of cover members which are movable into and out of superposed relation and between which a dosimeter is adapted to be inserted for processing or storage and wherein a pair of spreader members are mounted between said cover members and are spring-urged into contact when the cover members are superposed whereby a dosimeter in pressure engagement between the spreader members may be processed upon pulling the dosimeter through the spreader members; to provide a processing device of the character set forth having a size sufficient to insert one or more dosimeters in the device for storage purposes; preferably to provide a processing device which includes wall means whereby to protect a stored dosimeter from dirt, dust and the like, and wherein the spreader members substantiallyclose one end of the processing device for retaining a stored dosimeter therein; and to provide shielding means in a dosimeter processing device of the character set forth wherein the shielding means are carried by the cover members thereof for protecting a stored dosimeter from the action of nuclear radiation of the type known as soft rays.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing the features, properties and the relation of components which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings where- 1n:

Figure l is a plan view of an envelope dosimeter of the type adapted to be processed by apparatus which forms the subject of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a device or apparatus for processing7 shielding and storing a photosensitive dosimeter of the general character illustrated in Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation taken on the line fis-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation showing in part another embodiment of a processing, shielding and storing device;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a processing, shielding and storing apparatus;

Fig. 7 is a partial view in perspective of a still further embodiment of an apparatus for processing, shielding and storing photo-sensitive dosimeters;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of yet a further apparatus for processing, shielding and storing dosimeters which are arranged in a fanfold pack;

Fig. 9 is a sectional elevation taken longitudinally of the processing apparatus of Fig. 8; and

Fig. '10 is a diagrammatic illustration of a fanfold pack having a plurality of dosimeter units and shows the pack in folded condition for loading into the processing apparatus of Figs. 8 and 9.

While the present invention is unconcerned with radiation detection devices per se, it is nevertheless believed that a description of the construction of a dosimeter will assist in understanding the nature, operation and utility of the processing devices disclosed in Figs. 3 through 9 of the drawings. One embodiment of dosimeter which is particularly adapted for processing by the apparatus set forth herein is indicated by the general reference numeral l0 in Figs. l and 2 and comprises an envelope formed of outer Wall members Il and I2 which are releasably secured together by means of a strippable adhesive bond along the longitudinal edges thereof and also transversely of the Wall members at one end thereof, as well as at a position preferably, al-

though not necessarily, somewhat removed from the other end. This bond is adapted to provide a seal between the layers which is impervious to liquid and to light of a wavelength actinic to photosensitive materials within the envelope II) and is shown in Fig. l at 2| as extending over an area lying between the rectangular marginal outline or" the envelope as therein illustrated and the dotted line parallel to said outline. By this arrangement it will be apparent that each layer I I and I2 providing a wall member will have a portion at one end which is unconnected to the other wall member. These portions I8 and I9, in the form of extensions, are in fact leaders which provide means to facilitate handling of the photosensitive unit, as well as means to assist in stripping the layers so that they may be placed in spread-apart condition after processing.

The envelope wall members I I and I2 are each formed of a sheet material which is substantially impervious tov actinic light, liquids and vapor, while being capable of transmitting nuclear radiation to be detected, i. e., shorter wavelength radiation including X-rays and gamma rays. A print-carrying element I5, a rupturable container II for a liquid processing composition, and a photosensitive element I4 are located within the interior of the envelope and are suitably secured to the inner surfaces of the Wall members II and I2, as shown in Fig. 2. Photosensitive element i4 comprises one or more strips of a photosensitive material, such as silver halide, while the print-carrying element I5 may comprise a suitable sheet material, such as baryta paper. In the arrangement shown, the print-carrying element i5 is in superposed relation with a portion of the photosensitive element I4, while container I'I is located adjacent the end of the printcarrying element I5 which is positioned the nearest to the leader means of the dosimeter envelope.

A substantially liquid-impervious sheet material, similar to that used for forming the envelope wall members II and I2, is employed for container II whereby the container is adapted to hold a processing liquid. One example of a processing liquid usable for carrying out a silver halide transfer process comprises a silver halide developer and a silver halide fixer, both in solution in the liquid. The container I'I is positioned to extend transversely of the print-carrying element I5 and is provided with a rupturable seal adjacent the print-carrying element whereby pressure applied to opposite sides of the dosimeter envelope will eifect the rupture of this seal and the discharge of the liquid content of the container for spreading between and in contact with the superposed print-carrying element I5 and the photosensitive element I4.

Dosimeters of the character illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 are intended to utilize a photographic transfer process in determining the extent to which the dosimeter has been acted upon by nuclear radiation of the type to be detected. As previously pointed out, the nuclear radiation to be detected will penetrate through the envelope.

Radiation of this character will form a latent image in the photosensitive materials of the photosensitive element I4. The processing liquid when spread between and in contact with the print-carrying element and the photosensitive element is adapted to develop latent image in the photosensitive element to silver and to form, by transfer, a reverse print thereof on the printcarrying element. Following formation of the reverse image, the envelope layers are peeled or stripped apart. The density of the transfer image is utilized to determine the extent of radiation dosage received by the dosimeter by comparing this density with a standard which is representative of print densities obtained by exposing photosensitive materials similar to those employed in the dosimeter to predetermined dosages of nuclear radiation.

The principles of a transfer process, as well as film structures and dosimeters suitable for use in the invention, are set forth in United States Patent No. 2,543,181, issued February 27, 1951, to Edwin H. Land for Photographic Product Comprising a Rupturable Container Carrying a Photographic Processing Liquid, copending application Serial No. 652,612, filed March 7, 1946, by Edwin H. Land for Collapsible Fluid Container (now Patent No. 2,634,886), and copending application Serial No. 218,042, led March 28, 1951, by Murry N. Fairbank and William A. Shurcliil for Radiation Detection Device. The last-noted application is specific to dosimeter constructions of' the general nature of the dosimeter illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 herein. Patent No. 2,543,181 and said copending applications include detailed descriptions of lm units comprising a photosensitive element and a print-carrying element which are adapted to contain all of the photographic materials needed to process the unit. Also, the just-mentioned patent and copending applications are detailed as to containers for holding processing materials and further include descriptions of liquid processing compositions usable with such units. The practices, photographic materials and compositions described in said Patent. No. 2,543,181 and said copending applications are generally suitable for carrying out the present invention and special reference to the details thereof are made in said patent and copending applications.

The dosimeters described herein are intended to be carried on the person and to be processed at the instant that the possessor of the device wishes to determine if he has been subjected to unsafe radiation conditions. Consequently, the dosimeters are relatively small. For example, the complete envelope in any of the embodiments heretofore disclosed may have dimensions of about three inches by one inch, or even smaller.

Under the just-noted circumstances wherein the dosimeter is literally intended to be processed at an instants` notice, it is desirable to provide processing means of simple and light-weight construction for association with the dosimeter. Preferably, the processing apparatus or device should be of a size and weight such that it may be carried onk the person, as by attachment to an article of clothing, or by suspension around the neck from a ribbon or cord as in the case of the so-called military dog tag, or even carried in a pocket. It is desirable that such an apparatus, in addition to providing processing means, should also serve several other functions.

For example, the processing apparatus should be in the nature of a holder or carrier for storing or holding one or more dosimeters. Likewise, the processing holder should be able to protect the carried dosimeters from dirt and moisture, such as perspiratiom and the like, while guarding each dosimeter carried therein against the application of forcesv which would rupture the liquidcarrying container of said dosimeter and while maintaining the dosimeter in a generally flat condition ready for use. In addition, the holder should provide means for shielding the dosimeter from soft rays which might prematurely expose photosensitive materials within the dosimeter envelope.

One simple form of a processing device of this character makes use of a pair of cover members which are interconnected at one end for movement into and out of superposed relation with respect to each other, means also being associated with the cover members for securing them in said superposed relation. The device also includes an individual spreader member which is carriedby each cover member and whichl is of a strong and sturdy construction. These spreader members are urged into contact with each other by spring means whereby they may function to effect the processing of a dosimeter which is engaged therebetween by providing pressure-generating means which create pressure sufficient to cause the rupture of the container of the dosimeter and the spreading of the liquid content of the container upon relative movement between the engaged dosimeter and the spreader members to withdraw the dosimeter from the processing device. Several embodiments of processing, shielding and storing devices utilizing the just-described concepts are disclosed in Figs. 3 through 9 of the drawings.

One embodiment of the processing unit, generally indicated by the reference character 30 in Figs. 3 and 4, makes use of top and bottom cover members 3| and 32, respectively, Each cover member 3| and 32 comprises an elongated base in the form of a plate having bent-up portions which provide wall means. The upper cover member 3| is slightly wider than the lower cover member so that it may be engaged with the lower cover member to partially encase the latter. In the embodiment of the invention disclosed in Figs. 3 and 4, the cover members 3| and 32, when engaged with each other, are adapted to provide a boxlike structure in the nature of a container, as will become fully apparent. l

In the case of the top cover member 3|, side walls 33 and end wall members 35 and 31 are provided, while the bottom cover member only has side wall members 34. As may be noted, the end wall member 35 is provided with an opening 39 therein and has its end most distant from the top plate bent over upon itself so that it is generally parallel to the top member. The bottom cover member 32 has an elongated tongue 35 which extends from one end of the body of its base plate. Tongue 3S is adapted to be inserted within the opening 39 and is provided at its edges with ears 4i which are capable of being bent up so as to secure the cover members together. A suitable opening for engagement with a suspension cord or the like is shown as formed in the tongue 36.

t will be appreciated that the mounted cover members 3i and 32 will be connected together at one end by connecting means which permit them to be moved into and out of superposed relation with respect to each other. Fig. 4 shows the cover members in superposed relation and it is to be observed that the connection provided by the tongue 35, ears 4| and end wall 35 functions in the general nature of a pivot whereby the cover members may be spread apart in angular relation with respect to each other for loading the holder or removing a dosimeter therefrom.

As in all the processing devices disclosed here- 6 l cover members whereby to permit withdrawal of a dosimeter from the device when undergoing processing.

Means for securing the cover members in closed relation comprise a bail member 43 which is pvotally secured to the upper surface of the base plate of cover member 3| by means of a keeper or retainer plate 5| xed to the cover member by conventional means such as the rivets which are shown. The outer surface of the cover member 3| may be provided with a depressed channel in p which the base of the bail member is pvotally seated. For latching the bail, a projection 59 is formed near the edge of the base plate of the bottom cover 32. It will be apparent that the cover members will be retained in closed conditions against forces tending to open or spread them apart when the bail is in the latched position shown in Fig. 4.

A spreader unit, capable of rupturing the container in the dosimeter and spreading the con` tents thereof within the container envelope, is included within the device 30. Essentially, this spreader comprises two spreader members which will be held in contact with each other when the cover members are closed and between which the dosimeter is moved to carry out a processing operation. In Fig. 4, one such spreader is indicated at 42 as comprising a round rod member which extends from side wall to side wall of the bottom cover 32 and is xedly positioned transversely thereof at a location for contact with the other spreader member. The other spreader member is indicated at 45 and is an end portion of a fiat spring 44 which has its opposite end xed to the end of the base plate of cover member 3| adjacent the end wall 35 as by rivets. Spring 44 is so constructed that when mounted in the manner described and shown, it is constantly urged away from the top cover member 3| and when the cover members are in closed condition will be urged towards the spreader member 42. The spreader member 45 of the spring 44 is a bent portion thereof which is suitably rounded and is located for contact with the spreader member 42. As may be observed, spring 44, at least over the part 'thereof forming the spreader 45, has a width substantially equal to the interior width of the processing holder 33. These spreader members 42 and 45 are substantially parallel to each other and effectively close the end of the processing holder when the cover plates are in superposed parallel relation whereby to assist in retaining a dosimeter within the device.

In use of the processing device 30, a dosimeter envelope should always be located between the spring 44 and the inner surface of the lower cover member 32. Means are provided in the processing device to prevent improper loading of a dosimeter. These means make use ofthe retainer plate 5| and shape this plate to extend around the end wall 37 of the cover plate 3| to provide a projecting lip portion 5l which protrudes into the interior oi the processing device. The lip portion 51 is sufciently long to engage an extension 54 formed on the free end of the spring spreader member 45 whereby the movement of the free end of the spring 44 is restrained. Regardless of the width of the restraining lip 5l, it will be appreciated that this construction makes it substantially impossible to insert a dosimeter between the spring 44 and the inner surface of the upper cover member 3|. However, movement of the spring 44 is always suicient to bring the spreader member 45 thereof into proper processingspreader member d2.

For storage purposes, a dosimeter is adapted to have the leader' or tab portions I8 and Il? thereof folded over one outer face oi dosimeter envelope, as shown in broken lines in Fig. 2. The processing holder 39 rhas a length. sufficient to car ry a dosimeter folded for storage so that the dosimeter is positioned between the connected ends of the holder and the spreader members and 45 and is free of engagement with the spreader members. This is advantageous since it protects the leader portions of the dcsirneter from damage. Preferably, the interior of the processing device is large enough to carry two or more dosimeters in the storage condition just described, with one dosimeter superposed upon another.

It is desirable to provide the processing device with shield means to counteract the excessive eiiect on the photosensitive portions of dosimeter stored within the holder of soit rays such, for example, X-rays of long wavelength which have low penetrating power. These shield means cornprise a liner of material tending to attenuate such radiation by an appropriate factor and may comprise lead or cadmium or other heavy metal or alloy.

In Figs. 3 and 4 shield members 41 and 48 are shown as carried, respectively, by the inner surfaces of the base plates of the cover members 3l and 32. Shield members 4l and 48 may be fixed to the cover members by any suitable means, such as by rivets or by the use of suitable cements and/or adhesives. ble to mount either or both of the shields 41 and 48 upon the exterior of the cover members. Spring member 44 is U-shaped and shield member 4l is located between the arms of the spring Contact with the as a construction expedient to conserve space.

In the case of the shield 48, it is preferable to provide the bottom cover member 32 with a recess and to mount the shield 48 in the recess, as shown in Fig. 4, whereby possible damage to a dosimeter while loading it into the holder is substantially prevented.

With reference to Fig. 4, it is to be noted that the shields 4l' and 43 are of a generally rectangular shape and have their longitudinal axes centered on the longitudinal axis of the container. shield members are of a width suflicient to cover the photosensitive portion or portions of the photosensitive element of a dosimcter and are so positioned that these photosensitive portions will be fully covered when a dosimeter is placed in the holder device for storage. Shields 41 and 48 provide predetermined attenuation of soft rays incident thereon whereby to counteract the effect of these rays upon photosensitive materials within the dosimeter envelope. In cases where soit rays are encountered which are at other than normal incidence, a-s for example rays which make a large angle with the shield members 41 and 48, it may be desirable to provide additional shield members along the side walls of the processing device. This concept is included within the scope of the invention.

Operation of the processing apparatus 38 will be apparent from the foregoing. The manner in which one or more dosimeters may be loaded into the apparatus for storage has already been described. Assuming that a dosimeter is stored within the apparatus and that it is desired to process the dosimeter, the bail member 43 is moved to its unlatching position and the cover It is also possimembers 3l and 32 are spread apart about their connected ends as a pivot whereby to permit the stored dosimeter to be removed therefrom. The folded leader portions I8 and I9 of the dosimeter are then straightened so that they are aligned with the body portion of the envelope and the dosimeter is inserted between the open cover members in this condition and with the ends of the leader portions I8 and I9 loca-ted between the spreader members 42 and 45. Following this, the cover members are moved into their closed or superposed position and are secured by the bail member 43. The processing apparatus 38 is then held in one hand and the protruding leader p0rtions I8 and I9 are grasped with the lingers of the other hand and are pulled, whereby to pull the doslmeter between the spring-loaded spreader members 42 and 45 and entirely out of the processing unit 3D.

It is to be noted that the spreader members 42 and 45 are in spring-loaded contact with each other when the cover members of the processing apparatus 38 are in closed position and no dosimeter is engaged between the spreader members. On the other hand, the spreader members will be separated to some extent when the cover members of the processing device are closed and when a dosimeter is engaged between the spreader members. The spreader members 42 and 45, in effect, provide lpressure-generating or pressureapplying means through which the dosimeter is pulled.

Spring 44 is designed to create a pressure or force which is sufficient to rupture the container of a dosimeter undergoing processing and to spread the liquid contents of the container in a thin layer within the envelope of the dosimeter. Consequently, during the spreading operation itself, the separation between the spreader members 42 and 45 will remain substantially equal to the thickness of the body portion of the dosimeter, i. e., the thickness of the wall members of the envelope plus the thickness of the printcarrying element and the thickness of the photosensitive element, including spacer means within the dosimeter element.

Processing device 30, as well as all of the embodiments thereof described herein, may be 'formed of any suitable material such as metal or organic plastics. Even wood may be used as a construction material. Whatever material is employed, a material having a light unit weight is highly desirable. Of the metals, aluminum is a preferred material. Other light-weight metals and alloys may of course be used.

A slightly modified processing apparatus or device is shown at 88 in Fig. 5 and is constructed similarly to the processing device 38 except for the spreading unit and the securing or latch means employed. The apparatus comprises a top cover member 6I, similar to the cover member 3|, and adapted to be engaged with a bottom cover member 82, which latter is generally similar to the bottom cover member 32 except that it is provided with a turned-over and rounded portion 66 at the spreader end of the base plate thereof. This turned-over portion 68 provides a spreader member which extends transversely between the side walls of the cover member 82 and which cooperates with spreader member 85 formed on a fiat spring 84, substantially similar to the spring 44 of Figs. 3 and 4 and similarly secured to its associated cover member. Cover members 6I and 82 are adapted to be pivotally connected together at their end most distant from the in Figs. 3 through 7 may be employed with a anicld unit if made sufficiently deep to receive the plurality of dosimeters employed in the fanold and upon suitably locating the spreader means of the apparatus so that their spreading surfaces will be appropriately aligned for receiving the leader end of the fanfold pack.

One embodiment of fanfold pack is illus trated in Fig. l() as comprising a continuous backing sheet i I0 on a surface of which individual and similar dosirneter envelopes 20 are mounted. Each dosimeter |2 is secured as by a strip |30 of a pressureand/or heat-sensitive material to the backing sheet. The dosiineters |20, while diagrammatically shown, are substantially similar to the dosimeter I0 and are mounted on the backing sheet H0 to extend longitudinally thereof. Adjacent dosimeter envelopes are separated by spacing intervals at least equal to the length of an envelope to provide the fanfold arrangement. The backing or support sheet l Iii is made sufiiciently long to provide a leader portion Mii and a trailer portion |50 at the ends thereof. The leader means of the dosimeter envelopes |20 may be omitted or are preferably made considerably' shorter than the leaders I8 and l0 of the dosimeter l0.

A processing apparatus or device especially designed for processing a fanfold type ci unit,

such as that shown in Fig. 10, is generally indicated by the reference numeral 200 in Figs. e and 9. As therein disclosed, the processing apparatus makes use of respective top and bottoni;

cover members 20| and 202 pivotally connected at one end by hinge means 203. The cover members 20| and 202, as in the case of the cover members 3| and 32, are adapted to engage each other when the device 200 is in operating condition whereby one cover member at least partially encases the other cover member. the device 200, the cover members 20| and 202 are spread apart by use of the hinge means 203. Means for securing the cover members 20| and 202 in superposed and operating relation may comprise any type of latch means. In the embcdiment shown, a threaded fastener in the nature of a pin 205, adapted to extend through the side walls and cover members to be engaged with a nut or a threaded boss on one of the cover members, is illustrated. One of the cover members, for example the member 202, may be pro-` vided `with a suitable extension portion 204 which provides means for attaching the device tc an article of clothing or for suspending the device from the person.

The spreader means employed by the apparatus 200 makes use of a spring member 2li nxed to the bottom of the cover member 202 and having a rounded spreader portion 2|5 which is adapted to be urged toward the rounded spreader portion 2|2 of a spreader member 2|0 iixed to the cover member 20|. Both spreader members extend transversely of the cover members and close the end thereof when not engaged with a dosimeter. As in the case of the processing apparatus of Figs. 3 through 7, the end walls of the cover members at the spreader end of the device do not provide an end closure but leave an opening in the apparatus for Withdrawal of a dosimeter.

Processing of the fanfold pack, such as the pack |00 in the processing apparatus 200, will be apparent from the foregoing. The fanfold pack is loaded into the processing apparatus with the leader portion |40 thereof extending from For loading l the apparatus and in a position between the spreader members carried within the device 200 and with the dosimeter next to the M10 adjacent the bottom cover 202. During loading, the pin 205 is withdrawn so that the cover bers may be spread apart. Upon completion of loading, the cover members are moved toward each other and the pin 205 is engaged in fas"ening position whereby to secure the cover members together as shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

After loading a fanfold pack |00 into the processing apparatus, the leader portion 00 the pack Will extend from the apparatus and the first dosimeter of the pack may be processed by exerting a pulling force on the leader to draw the first dosimeter envelope through the spreader members. In processing the iirst dosimeter, the fanfold pack is withdrawn from the apparatus so that at least a portion of the pack which forms the spacing interval between the rst and second dosmeters will extend beyond the apparatus and so that the second dosimeter of the pack is moved into ready position for processing by the spreader members of the apparatus. The processed dosimeter is disconnected from the unit by cutting or tearing the portion of the fanfold pack which forms the spacing interval between the first and second dosimeters at position adjacent the trailing end of the processed dosimeter. Processing of the second and remaining dosimeters of the fanfold pack is carried out in a manner similar to that just described.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the aims and objects of this invention have been accomplished in the provision of a variety of means for processing dosimeters which are useful for detecting, indicating, recording and measuring radiation dosages. Specifically, there has been provided simple processing apparatus which permits quick processing of a dosimeter at an instants notice. At the same time, this invention, in addition to providing dosimeter processing means, has also provided devices for holding and shielding a dosimeter and which are of simple design and are adapted to be carried on the person at all times.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for processing, shielding and storing a photosensitive dosimeter of the type having at least a photosensitive element and a rupturable container holding a liquid processing composition carried within an elongated envelope and located relative to each other so that liquid discharged from said container may be spread over said photosensitive element, said device comprising a pair of cover members each having a relatively nat base providing a cover plate, means located at least at one end of said cover plates and connecting said cover plates for movement into and out of superposed relation with respect to each other, means carried by said cover plates for holding said cover plates in said superposed relation, said cover plates, when in superposed relation, being substantially parallel and sufficiently spaced apart to permit at least one dosimeter to be carried therebetween with a portion of said dosimeter folded over upon itself,

at least one of said cover plates being provided' spreader members by the construction detailed in connection with Figs. 3 and 4.

The spring 64 differs from the spring 44 in that it is not provided with an extension portion such as the extension 54 on spring 44. It is therefore possible to improperly load a dosimeter between the spring member 64 and the inner surface of the upper cover member 6| and from this standpoint the arrangement utilized in the apparatus 39 is preferred.

The latch means for securing the cover members 6| and $2 in closed relation comprises a bail member 63 which is retainably and at lea-st partially engaged around the two cover members and is slidable thereon. It will be apparent that the cover1 members will be retained in closed condition against forces tending to open or spread them apart when the bail member is in the position shown in Fig. 5, at the end of the processing device which is adjacent the spreader members 65 and 66. On the other hand, when the bail S3 is moved to the hinge end of the apparatus 69, i. e., away from the spreader unit end thereof, it will be equally apparent that the cover members will be released from the secured position illustrated so that they may be spread apart.

As intimated, processing devices of the invention are subject to considerable variation while retaining simplicity of construction. In this regard, the general reference numeral 10 in Fig. 6 illustrates a simplied holder which comprises a top cover member 'H in the form of a plate and a bottom cover member 12, also in the lform of a plate. The plate 12 has one end thereof bent up to provide a back wall 15. Hinge ears 'I6 and 11, provided respectively by overturned projections on back wall 15 and the back end of the cover member ll, permit the cover members 'H and 12 to be pivotally connected by a hinge pin 8| which extends through the hinge ears. A spring 19, which is engaged around pin 8| and is located between hinge ears T1, has its ends in bearing with the top plate 'll to constantly urge this plate toward the bottom plate 'I2 and into closure position.

Plates 7l and 'l2 are, respectively, provided adjacent their unconnected ends with spreader members 92 and 95. Spreader members 82 and 95 have rounded surfaces of the character heretofore described and these members may be made integral with their respective cover plates or they may be separately attached thereto.

In lieu of full side walls, the holder 19 is provided with wall means in the form of upright posts T3 which Vmay be a part of material forming the cover member 12 and which may be bent upwardly. It will be appreciated that posts 13 will maintain a stored dosimeter within the processing device although the holder 10 will not provide dirt and dust protection for the stored dosimeter.

If desired, the device 'l0 may be provided with suitable shield means similar to those heretofore described and also with suitable means to permit the device to be suspended from a cord or the like.

It will be apparent that operation of the device 15J, illustrated in Fig. 6, for storing and processing the dosimeter, will be similar to that of the processing device 39 of Figs. 3 and 4.

In a further embodiment of the processing device, use is made of a holder 90, illustrated in Fig. 7, and comprising two cover members 9| and 92 which are similar to the cover members 3l and 10 32 of Figs. 3 and 4 in that one is adapted to be engaged within the other. While not illustrated, both cover members 9| and 92 areintended to .be provided with a back wall portion whereby each cover member comprises a base plate which is enclosed by a wall around two sides and one end thereof.

Cover member el is provided with a projecting flange portion 93 along each side wall thereof. Each flange 93 is in the nature of a slide adapted to be engaged by a guide member 9d in the form of a channel provided along each side wall of the bottom cover member 92 as by appropriate bending or shaping of the bottom cover. At least one of the channel-like guide members 94 is formed with a notched or cutaway portion 99 near the forward or processing end of the holder 99. Each such notched portion 96 is adapted to engage a bent-up projection 95 provided on the iianged slide 93. As may be observed in Fig. '7, the channel recess for guide 94 is of a considerably greater width than the thickness of the slide iiange 93 so that the flange of the slide member will be loosely engaged within the channel 93, unless it is urged into contact with a channel surface. The holding together of the cover members 9| and 92 is intended to be effected by the spreader assembly.

For this purpose, the cover member 9i is shown with a spreader member 91 which may be formed by overturning the cover member or which may be an individual member fixed within the cover member 9|. The other spreader member, indicated at 98, is of the spring type and comprises a spring similar to that shown at 44 in Figs. 3 and 4. In this instance, the spring spreader urges the flange or slide 93 of the top cover member 9| into contact with the top of guide channel 94.

Loading of the processing device is eifected by pressing the spring spreader member 98 toward the base of the cover member 92. This releases the pressure which secures the cover members in latched condition and permits them to be moved toward each other so that the latch projection may be cleared from engagement with notch 9S and the cover members slid relative to each other to effect their disengagement. A dosimeter is then placed upon the upper surface of the spring spreader member 99 and, with the spring held in depressed condition, one cover member is slidably engaged with the other cover member and moved relative thereto to a position wherein the projection 95 is registered with the notch 96 in the guide 94. Upon release of the downward pressure on the spring spreader 98, the slide flanges 93 will be urged into contact with the guide channels 94 and the cover mem-bers will be locked in the relative position shown in It will be apparent that operation of the device 99, illustrated in Fig 7, for storing and processing the dosimeter, will be similar -to that of the processing device 39 of Figs. 3 and 4.

While the dosimeter illustrated in Fig. l has been shown as an individual unit, it will be appreciated that a plurality of such dosimeters may be secured together in end-to-end relation to provide a fanfold type of unit such as that generally indicated byl the reference numeral mi] in Fig. l0. The processing apparatus with which this invention is concerned is well adapted for processing a fanfold dosimeter unit substantially without change in operating principles. In this connection, any of the processing devices shown in Figs. 3 through 'l may be employed with a fanfold unit if made sufficiently deep to receive the plurality of dosimeters employed in the fanfold and upon suitably locating the spreader means of the apparatus so that their spreading surfaces will be appropriately aligned for receiving the leader end of the fanfold pack.

One embodiment of fanfold pack is illustrated in Fig. as comprising a continuous back-- ing sheet l I0 on a surface of which individual and similar dosimeter envelopes are mounted. Each dosimeter |20 is secured as by a strip |33 oi a pressureand/or heat-sensitive material to the backing sheet. The dosimeters |20, while diagrammatically shown, are substantially similar to the dosimeter i0 and are mounted on the backing sheet H0 to extend longitudinally thereof. Adjacent dosimeter envelopes |20 are separated by spacing intervals at least equal to the length of an envelope to provide the fanfold arrange-- ment. The backing or support sheet I0 is made sufficiently long to provide a leader portion and a trailer portion |50 at the ends thereof. The leader means of the dosimeter envelopes |20 may be omitted or are preferably made considerably7 shorter than the leaders I8 and I9 of the dosimeter |0. l

A processing apparatus or device especially designed for processing a fanfold type of unit,

such as that shown in Fig. 10, is generally indicated by the reference numeral 200 in Figs. 8 and 9. As therein disclosed, the processing apparatus makes use of respective top and bottom cover members 20| and 202 pivotally connected at one end by hinge means 203. The cover members 20| and 202, as in the case of the cover members 3| and 32, are adapted to engage each other when the device 200 is in operating condition whereby one cover member at least partially encases the other cover member, For loading the device 200, the cover members 20| and 202 are spread apart by use of the hinge means 203. Means for securing the cover members 20| and 202 in superposed and operating relation may comprise any type of latch means. In the einbodiment shown, a threaded fastener in the nature of a pin 205, adapted to extend through the side walls and cover members to be engaged with a nut or a threaded boss on one of the cover members, is illustrated. One of the cover members, for example the member 202, may be provided with a suitable extension portion 204 which provides means for attaching the device to an article of clothing or for suspending the device from the person.

The spreader means employed by the apparatus 200 makes use of a spring member 2| fixed to the bottom of the cover member 202 and having a rounded spreader portion 2|5 which is adapted to be urged toward the rounded spreader portion 2|2 of a spreader member 2|0 xed to the cover member 20|. Both spreader members extend transversely of the cover members and close the end thereof when not engaged with a dosimeter. As in the case of the processing apparatus of Figs. 3 through '7, the end walls of the cover members at the spreader end of the device do not provide an end closure but leave an opening in the apparatus for withdrawal of a dosimeter.

Processing of the fanfold pack, such as the pack |00 in the processing apparatus 200, will be apparent from the foregoing. The fanfold pack is loaded into the processing apparatus with the leader portion |40 thereof extending from the apparatus and in a position between the spreader members carried within the device 200 and with the dosimeter next to the leader M0 adjacent the bottom cover 202. During loading, the pin 205 is withdrawn so that the cover members may be spread apart. Upon completion of loading, the cover members are moved toward each other and the pin 205 is engaged in fastening position whereby to secure the cover members together as shown in Figs. 8 and After loading a fanfold pack |00 into the processing apparatus, the leader portion it@ of the pack will extend from the apparatus and the first dosimeter of the pack may be processed by exerting a pulling force on the leader to draw the rst dosimeter envelope through the spreader members. In processing the first dosimeter, the fanfold pack is Withdrawn from the apparatus so that at least a portion of the pack which forms the spacing interval between the first and second dosimeters will extend beyond the apparatus and so that the second dosimeter of the pack is moved into ready position for processing by the spreader members of the apparatus. The processed dosimeter is disconnected from the unit by cutting or tearing the portion oi the fanfold pack which forms the spacing interval between the first and second dosimeters at a position adjacent the trailing end of the processed dosimeter. Processing of the second and remaining dosimeters of the fanfold pack is carried out in a manner similar to that just described.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the aims and objects of this invention have been accomplished in the provision of a variety of means for processing dosimeters which are useful for detecting, indicating, recording and measuring radiation dosages. Specically, there has been provided simple processing apparatus which permits quick processing of a dosimeter at an instants notice. At the same time, this invention, in addition to providing dosimeter processing means, has also provided devices for holding and shielding a dosimeter and which are of simple design and are adapted to be carried on the person at all times.

Since certain changes may be made in. the above apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for processing, shielding and storing a photosensitive dosimeter of the type having at least a photosensitive element and a rupturable container holding a liquid processing composition carried within an elongated envelope and located relative to each other so that liquid discharged from said container may be spread over said photosensitive element, said device comprising a pair of cover members each having a relatively flat base providing a cover plate, means located at least at one end of said cover plates and connecting said cover plates for movement into and out of superposed relation with respect to each other, means carried by said cover plates for holding said cover plates in said superposed relation, said cover plates, when in superposed relation, being substantially parallel and sufliclently spaced apart to permit at least one dosimeter to be carried therebetween with aportion of said dosimeter folded over upon itself, at least one of said cover plates being provided with wall means on each side and at Aone end thereof whereby a dosimeter mounted Within the holder is retainable against removal from said sides and said end of said holder, a first spreader member carried by a first one of said cover plates and a second spreader member carried by the second one of said cover plates, each said spreader member being carried by its respective cover plate on the side thereof which faces the other cover plate when said plates are in said superposed relation, each said spreader member extending transversely of .its respective cover plate and said spreader members being carried by said cover plates at locations near the secn ond end of said holder and being positioned with respect to each other sothat they overlie and are substantially parallel to each other when said cover plates are in said superposed relation, said first spreader member being a part of a relatively elongated, resilient member which is fixed near one end thereof to said first cover plate, said resilient member being so constructed and arranged as to constantly urge said first spreader member away from said first cover plate and at least substantially into contact with the second spreader member when said cover plates are in superposed relation whereby to effect at least a partial closure of said holder at the second end thereof for retaining a folded dosimeter within said holder, said dosimeter when mounted in said holder in unfolded condition being adapted to be engaged between said spreader members and to have a part thereof extend outwardly from said holder and beyond said spreader members whereby tc permit the dosimeter to be removed from said holder by exerting a pulling force on the part of the dosimeter extending beyond the holder, said resilient member, when said cover plates are held in said superposed relation with a portion of a dosimeter engaged between said spreader members, being so iiexed and placed under such load as to cause said spreader members to also serve as means for effecting the processing of said dosimeter engaged therebetween by applying to opposite sides of the dosimeter envelope a pressure sufficient to effect the rupture of the container of said dosimeter and the spreading of the liquid content of the container within said envelope upon relative movement between said dosimeter and said spreader members to withdraw the dosimeter from said holder.

2. A device for processing, shielding and storing a photosensitive dosimeter as defined in claim 1 wherein said resilient member comprises a flat spring which is fixed adjacent one of its ends to said first cover plate at a location adjacent the end of said holder which is provided with said wall means, said spring being provided adjacent its free end with a rounded portion extending transversely thereof and providing said first spreader member and said spring being constantly urged towards the second of said cover plates Iwhereby to bring said rounded portion thereof into contact with the second spreader member.

3. A device forprocessing, shielding and storing at least one photosensitive dosimeter and comprising a first container-forming member and a second container-forming member adapted to fit one Within the other and providing, when engaged with each other, a boxlike structure, means at least loosely connecting said containerforming members at one end thereof whereby said members may be partially spread apart, said 14 fr container-forming members when fitted together providing an opening which extends transversely of said boxlike structure in the. second end thereof, a relatively wide spring fixed to the inner surface of said rst container-forming member and normally urged towards said second container-forming member, said spring extending longitudinally of said boxlike structure towards and having a rounded offset portion adjacent said opening, said rounded offset portion extending transversely across said spring on the side thereof which faces the second container-forming member and being positioned to lie within said boxlike structure, said second containerforming member, on the side thereof which faces said first container-forming member, carrying means providing a rounded offset portion located within said boxlike structure adjacent the open end thereof to extend transversely of the boxlike structure and being adapted for cooperative bearing with the rounded offset portion on said spring, said rounded offset portions, including said spring, providing means which are constantly urged towards each other to eect closure of the boxlike structure provided upon engagement of said container-forming members one within the other and also providing means for applying pressure to the opposite sides of a photosensitive dosimeter which comprises a releasably sealed envelope adapted to be inserted within said holder whereby to effect the rupture of a container carried within said envelope and the spreading of the liquid content of said container within said envelope upon relative movement between said holder and said dosimeter to withdraw the dosimeter from the holder, and fastening means carried by one of said containerforming members and engageable with the other container-forming member for securing said container-forming members in closed position.

4. In a device for eifecting the release of the liquid content of a rupturable container, which is mounted between two superpo-sed layers of sheet material to extend transversely of said layers, by rupturing said container and spreading its liquid content over said layers, in combination, a pair of support members means for removably mounting said support members in superposed and spaced-apart relation whereby said superposed layers with said container therebetween may be located between said support members, means for retaining said support members in said superposed and spaced-apart relation, a pair of spreader members, one spreader member of said pair of spreader members being supported by each said support member from the surface thereof which faces the other support member when said support members are superposed, each said spreader member having a rounded portion which extends transversely of the support member with which it is associated, said spreader members being supported and positioned so that said rounded portions are located adjacent a common end of said support members and are aligned with each other, and a relatively elongated resilient member which is fixed near one of its ends to one of said support members and which is provided near its free end with a rounded portion constituting one of said spreader members, said resilient member being so constructed and arranged as to constantly urge the spreader member thereon away from the associated support member and at least substantially into contact with the other spreader member when said support members are in said superposed relation, said dosimeter when located between said support members being adapted to be engaged between said spreader members and to have a part thereof extend beyond the end of said support members to which said spreader members are adjacent whereby to permit the dosimeter to be withdrawn from engagement with said spreader members by exerting a pulling force on the part of the dosimeter extending beyond the support members, said resilient member, when said support members are held in superposed relation with .a portion of the dosimeter engaged between said spreader members, being so iiexed and placed under such load as to cause said spreader members to serve as means for effecting the processing of said dosimeter engaged therebetween by applying to opposite sides of the dosimeter envelope a. pressure sufficient to 16 effect the rupture of the container of .said dosimeter and the spreading of the liquid content of the container within said envelope upon relative movement between said dosimeter and said spreader members to withdraw the dosimeter from said holder.

References Cited in the ille of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 666,617 Germany Oct. 24, 1938 

